An investigation is ongoing into suspected human trafficking operations and promotion of prostitution at a Bellingham massage spa, as the city takes steps to revoke the business’s license for not filing required business and occupation taxes.
Last week, law enforcement raided the 33 Mansion Mental Massage Spa at 1333 Lincoln St. and detectives “successfully intervened in a situation where individuals were suspected of being coerced into doing things against their will,” Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Deb Slater said.
Online ads on multiple websites suggested women were available for commercial sex acts at the location, according to a sheriff’s office news release. At least two new posts connected to the business, or the business’s phone number, were uploaded on an escort site since that date, both with phone numbers that appear to now be disconnected.
The business appeared to be operating on Friday, Aug. 16. A closed sign was out front, but the door to the business was cracked open. When CDN reporters walked in, women in the establishment offered massages.
During the investigation, officials did not find a business or massage license during the search and identified several code violations.
“We take very seriously the allegations of criminal activity at this location,” City of Bellingham Deputy Administrator Janice Keller said in an email Aug. 20. “These are long, involved investigations and we are committed to supporting the lead agencies in this important work.”
Leah Clark, owner of the neighboring property at 1329 Lincoln St. and of A Touch of Wellness massage therapy located in the building, said she began contacting local law enforcement and other agencies about the issues with the business soon after it moved in in December. Clark said the massage spa has created a safety issue for the surrounding businesses.
“We have five massage therapists in my building and we’re trying to run legitimate businesses,” Clark said. “We have people coming to our doors looking for our next-door neighbor who does not have legitimate licensure.”
Keller said a business can operate if its activities are legal, consistent with the applicable zoning and building code regulations, and properly licensed.
“The City is taking steps to revoke the required business license for not filing required business and occupation taxes,” Keller said.
Code violations were referred to Bellingham Police Department code enforcement and the city’s building official, Keller said, and those allegations are being investigated.
“Any subsequent notices of non-compliance will be sent directly to property owners, who are accountable and responsible for the conditions of their commercially leased spaces,” Keller said.
But this isn’t the first time the city has looked into code violations at the business. A search on Bellingham’s permitting website for 1333 Lincoln St. Suite 2 returned two results: one investigation into potential work without permits starting Aug. 13, and another for unpermitted work was opened on Feb. 7 and closed on Feb. 16.
CDN has been unable to reach the property’s owner, Chun-Hsu Chen.
Keller said licenses to conduct massage therapy would be out of the city’s jurisdiction and may be part of the broader investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Office.
Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.
